Typical of Tokyo's second wave of cat cafes, Temari no Ouchi strives to create a destination "relaxation space" rather than just a place to play with cats for thirty minutes. It bills itself as a "forest of wondrous cats" and the fairtytale decor makes you think you're attending a Mad Hatter's tea party in a gingerbread house.

Kick back with an imported beer or original cocktail, or choose from a range of herbal teas and coffee-based drinks. There's also an extensive menu of desserts, light snacks (popcorn shrimp, sausages), and full meals (keema curry, Hawaiian loco moco).

The spacious, cartoonish main playroom provides ample seating for dozens of visitors, and incorporates numerous perches, nooks and crannies for the seventeen resident cats to prowl. There are some rare breeds here including Chartreux, Scottish Fold, Norwegian Forest Cat, Bombay and Persian Chinchilla, as well as the more familiar American Shorthair, Munchkin, Ragamuffin and Ragdolls.

Weekday evenings are a good time to visit, as there's a flurry of feline activity when feeding time starts at six-thirty. Free WiFi is available.

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Temari no Ouchi

0422-23-5503

Tokyo Kichijoji / Cat cafe

Open 10am-9pm (last entry 8:30) daily.

Entry fee is Y1200 on weekdays, Y1600 on weekends and holidays, and Y700 after 7pm.